Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding: All the Ways It Broke Tradition

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding: All the Ways It Broke Tradition

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan weren't afraid to break some British royal traditions when they became husband and wife on Saturday, May 19. The newlywed's personal stamp could be seen all throughout their wedding ceremony, which took place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The pair added their own twist to their nuptials, including their choice of music, Meghan's walk down the aisle, and even an important moment with the groom’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Scroll down to see which traditions the newlyweds broke during their wedding.

Credit: INSTAR Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding: All the Ways It Broke Tradition

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan weren't afraid to break some British royal traditions when they became husband and wife on Saturday, May 19. The newlywed's personal stamp could be seen all throughout their wedding ceremony, which took place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The pair added their own twist to their nuptials, including their choice of music, Meghan's walk down the aisle, and even an important moment with the groom’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Scroll down to see which traditions the newlyweds broke during their wedding.

Credit: Getty Images

On Her Own

After her father, Thomas Markle, was unable to attend the wedding due to his health, Duchess Meghan began her bridal procession down the aisle by herself. She was later met by Prince Charles, but she broke tradition by not being given away by her father at the altar.

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Making History

American Reverend Michael Curry gave a sermon during the ceremony titled "The Power of Love." During his speech, he quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and There is a Balm in Gilead. Prior to the couple inviting him to speak at the royal wedding, Curry was elected as the first African-American presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. 

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Not Missing a Thing

Prince Harry watched his bride walk down the aisle. Harry turned around just as Meghan walked into the St George’s Chapel. At British weddings, it is customary for the groom and his best man to face the altar as the bride walks down the aisle, and the groom sees the bride for the first time when she’s already standing beside him.

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Bowing Out

The Suits alum and the prince broke another royal family tradition by seemingly not curtsying and bowing to Queen Elizabeth II before walking down the aisle after the pair said: “I do.” 

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First Kiss

Instead of the traditional balcony kiss, Harry and Duchess Meghan shared their first public kiss as a married couple at the top of the stairs while leaving their wedding at St George’s Chapel.

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American Spin

Duchess Meghan added some personal touches throughout the nuptials to honor her American roots. The pair chose gospel choir The Kingdom Choir to perform American singer Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" during the wedding ceremony.

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Page Boys and Bridesmaids

Page boys and bridesmaids for royal weddings are usually in some way tied to the royal family. In this case, three bridesmaids out of six and two out of the four page boys were from Meghan’s side. Meghan's two goddaughters, Remi and Rylan Litt, were part of the group, as well as her best friend Jessica Mulroney’s children Ivy, Brian, and John Mulroney. They joined Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Harry’s goddaughters Florence van Cutsem and Zalie Warren, and Harry’s godson Jasper Dyer to round out the group.